31st October 2024
In a concerted effort to address the growing crisis surrounding driving test availability and examiner shortages, Oxfordshire Lib Dem MPs Olly Glover, Charlie Maynard, Calum Miller, Layla Moran and Freddie van Mierlo have written to the Secretary of State for Transport, highlighting urgent concerns raised by constituents that are impacting lives and careers across the county
In their letter, they emphasise that many learner drivers, particularly students and future key workers, are facing significant hurdles. One alarming example involves a constituent who has a conditional offer to become a paramedic, contingent upon obtaining a full driving licence. Despite their efforts, they have been unable to secure a test date, jeopardising their future career.
The letter highlights that while measures have been taken to reduce the number of times a test date can be swapped, the current limits still allow scammers to exploit the system. Reports indicate that test slots are being resold for as much as £250, creating additional financial strain for learners and raising concerns about tax evasion among those profiting from this practice.
The MPs also highlight the issue of examiner wages, noting that in Oxfordshire, examiners earn up to £28,000 annually without the regional pay top-up available in London. This situation makes it increasingly challenging to recruit and retain staff in a high-cost area.
To tackle these pressing issues, the MPs are calling for immediate action, including:
- Review Examiner Pay and Incentives: To attract and retain examiners in high-cost areas like Oxfordshire.
- Reduce Test Date Swaps: Further limit the number of times a test date can be swapped to deter scammers.
- Recruit Temporary Examiners: Allow driving instructors to temporarily serve as examiners, with appropriate conflict of interest management.
- Special Accommodations for Key Workers: Implement measures for those needing a driving test as a condition for study or employment, particularly for key worker roles.
Henley and Thame MP Freddie van Mierlo said:
"We are witnessing an alarming trend where students are being forced to travel as far as Manchester or Scotland for driving tests due to a lack of availability; this is unacceptable and threatens the futures of those who are ready to contribute to society as essential workers"
"We believe these steps are essential to ensure that our constituents can access driving tests without undue stress and financial burden, and we look forward to the Secretary's prompt attention to these issues."
